Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
PicaChoc36
The PicaChoc36 is a low-profile split keyboard for short pinkies. Shared by zzeneg.
Published January 12, 2023
Evgenii Vilkov aka zzeneg, after experimenting with stagger (Pica40, published his low-profile PicaChoc36 – a 36-key wired/wireless split keyboard.
Presenting my first low profile split keyboard. After my experiments with aggressive stagger I thought that it's not enough and I still have to move my hand to reach top pinky keys (Q/P) and it would be more comfortable to have these keys on the side instead. For the sake of the experiment I wanted to try choc V1 switches with choc spacing as well – zzeneg.
Specs
- 36 keys
- Choc spacing
- soldered (no hotswap)
- reversible PCB
- XIAO controllers
- wired/wireless support
- rotary encoder (EC12E1220301)
- TRRS or USB-C connection
- very low profile: no bottom plate, no hotswap
- thick top plate so switches are soldered almost flush with the PCB (inspired by the 3w6)
- low-pro encoder knob taken from KLOTZ by _GEIST_
For the case Sadek Baroudi's guide on designing keyboard cases was used – published in the 2022 advent calendar.
[...]it turned out to be very fun (and cheaper than sandwich PCB/metal cases).
Resources
Published on Thu 12th Jan 2023. Featured in KBD #111 (source).
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